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The Art of Warfare in the Age of Napoleon
"... a most illuminating and readable general survey.... This book is well organized, well produced, and well written. It belongs among the ten most useful books on this period to the historian and... to the general reader." -- American Historical Review "This splendid volume fills a gap in the vast outpouring of literature on the military aspects of the era of the French Revolution and Napoleon by combining a description of the major changes and trends of warfare with a comparative discussion of the French military establishment and the armies of its major opponents.... As another contribution to 'synthetic' history, it is a very successful exercise." -- Military Affairs "... a splendid little study which will be of considerable interest both to the general student and specialist.... [it] fills a definite need for a survey of the military developments of the period and one can learn a great deal from a close reading of it." -- History "A clear, lively, and well-produced survey that relies upon the best scholarship of several languages.... " -- Library Journal In a comprehensive study of a crucial era in warfare -- from the last decades of the ancient régime to Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo -- Rothenberg describes the organization, training methods, equipment, tactics, and strategy of France and its adversaries. He also explores staff systems, logistics, fortifications, medical services, and insurgency and counterinsurgency.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
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About the author
Gunther E. Rothenberg
12 books5 followersGunther Erich Rothenberg was an internationally known military historian, best known for his publications on the Habsburg military and Napoleonic Wars.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 28, 2018
Here we enter the arena in which Bonaparte made his name.
Most of those who take up the study of Napoleon are taking up the study of his battles and his military expertise. He was a force to be reckoned with in the fields of Europe. He brought a fresh philosophy to armed conflict and ushered in a new age of warfare, shattering long-held custom and theory with each successive campaign. His prowess in this practice - the shock of its impact, the awe of its implication - makes it exceedingly difficult to separate the man from the soldier, the Emperor from the General, and while I am trying very hard to accommodate more than his military aspect, I am well-nigh convinced he would scoff at all my efforts, preferring by far to be remembered as the whiskered boys remember him. Warrior - first, last, and always.
Rothenberg has produced a clever little study on the state of the various European war machines from the period immediately preceding the French Revolution through the end of Napoleon's reign. The armies of Prussia, Russia, Austria and England are examined alongside the French - which is brilliant as it's the only way to adequately assess the transformational influence effected by this turbulent Corsican upstart hard-charging through kingdoms not his own. There's a good deal more than strategy and tactics under the microscope here. These forces are dissected in specific: infantry, cavalry, artillery; weaponry, supply, transport; conscription, training, officer corps...it's a thoroughly detailed look at the materials and mechanics of battle as it was fought on the Continent of that era. If the author gives short shrift to anything, it is the political narrative. (He's much more interested in how a Howitzer performed than he is the victory that may have resulted from its use.)
Side trips are made into the realm of life on campaign: the soldier's rations, bivouac, women; the treatment of prisoners of war; what one could expect by way of medical attention. And, yes, there were a few of those tangents I adore. Here's one about how the troops occupied themselves as Napoleon and Alexander were hammering out the treaty of Tilsit:
While the sovereigns negotiated, the troops fraternized. The Imperial Guard was instructed to hold a banquet for their Russian counterparts which went off well, although Coignet was taken somewhat aback when the tsar's warriors swallowed huge goblets of wine at one gulp, tore off large pieces of meat, and when they found that they could not finish everything on the table, made themselves vomit and then started all over again. 'They thus made,' he recorded, 'three meals at one dinner.'
The work is admittedly dry in places, yet if boots-on-the-ground substance is what you're looking for...this is very well done.
Most of those who take up the study of Napoleon are taking up the study of his battles and his military expertise. He was a force to be reckoned with in the fields of Europe. He brought a fresh philosophy to armed conflict and ushered in a new age of warfare, shattering long-held custom and theory with each successive campaign. His prowess in this practice - the shock of its impact, the awe of its implication - makes it exceedingly difficult to separate the man from the soldier, the Emperor from the General, and while I am trying very hard to accommodate more than his military aspect, I am well-nigh convinced he would scoff at all my efforts, preferring by far to be remembered as the whiskered boys remember him. Warrior - first, last, and always.
Rothenberg has produced a clever little study on the state of the various European war machines from the period immediately preceding the French Revolution through the end of Napoleon's reign. The armies of Prussia, Russia, Austria and England are examined alongside the French - which is brilliant as it's the only way to adequately assess the transformational influence effected by this turbulent Corsican upstart hard-charging through kingdoms not his own. There's a good deal more than strategy and tactics under the microscope here. These forces are dissected in specific: infantry, cavalry, artillery; weaponry, supply, transport; conscription, training, officer corps...it's a thoroughly detailed look at the materials and mechanics of battle as it was fought on the Continent of that era. If the author gives short shrift to anything, it is the political narrative. (He's much more interested in how a Howitzer performed than he is the victory that may have resulted from its use.)
Side trips are made into the realm of life on campaign: the soldier's rations, bivouac, women; the treatment of prisoners of war; what one could expect by way of medical attention. And, yes, there were a few of those tangents I adore. Here's one about how the troops occupied themselves as Napoleon and Alexander were hammering out the treaty of Tilsit:
While the sovereigns negotiated, the troops fraternized. The Imperial Guard was instructed to hold a banquet for their Russian counterparts which went off well, although Coignet was taken somewhat aback when the tsar's warriors swallowed huge goblets of wine at one gulp, tore off large pieces of meat, and when they found that they could not finish everything on the table, made themselves vomit and then started all over again. 'They thus made,' he recorded, 'three meals at one dinner.'
The work is admittedly dry in places, yet if boots-on-the-ground substance is what you're looking for...this is very well done.
August 26, 2008
2.5 to 3.0 stars. A pretty well written book on military strategy during the Napoleonic era. It is part of the Easton Press Library of Military History. Probably best enjoyed by Napoleon buffs.
October 8, 2018
An excellent overview of military affairs in the period spanning 1792 to 1815. In this text, Rothenberg provides the reader with a concise and thorough summary of the Napoleonic Wars. While there is really nothing new contained here, I think this book is valuable for the quality of its information and research, its objectivity, and the concentration of a great deal of useful and interesting information in one volume.
I particularly enjoyed the first chapter which summarized the style of warfare in the 18th century. It gives a great sense of context and allows the reader to compare and contrast Napoleonic warfare with that of Frederick the Great and other commanders of the Age of Enlightenment. I also appreciated the attention that Rothenberg spent on each of the primary five nations involved. Naturally, the French garnered most of the attention, but the Austrians, Prussians, Russians, and British are also given their due share.
I highly recommend this book. Whether you are just getting involved in the vast realm of Napoleonic literature or are a seasoned veteran, I think The Art of War in the Age of Napoleon would be of interest to you!
I particularly enjoyed the first chapter which summarized the style of warfare in the 18th century. It gives a great sense of context and allows the reader to compare and contrast Napoleonic warfare with that of Frederick the Great and other commanders of the Age of Enlightenment. I also appreciated the attention that Rothenberg spent on each of the primary five nations involved. Naturally, the French garnered most of the attention, but the Austrians, Prussians, Russians, and British are also given their due share.
I highly recommend this book. Whether you are just getting involved in the vast realm of Napoleonic literature or are a seasoned veteran, I think The Art of War in the Age of Napoleon would be of interest to you!
May 23, 2021
Günther E. Rothenburg has written an excellent, single volume study not on the Napoleonic Wars themselves, but rather on the ways, means, and methodologies of war as conducted by the various armies of the period.
While he does give a brief, two chapters, overview of the course of the Revolutionary and then Napoleonic Wars, his main focus is on the raising and equipping of the armies. From there, Rothenburg discusses how the armies were lead, how they conducted campaigns and operations, their logistical infrastructure and networks, and discusses their tactical doctrine.
Rothenburg doesn't merely focus on La Grande Armée, though he does the French quite heavily. Also coming under close scrutiny and exposition are the British, Hapsburgs (Rothenburg himself was Austrian, I do believe), the Russians, the Prussians, and the Spanish, and their respective means and methodologies of their war making.
In terms of the French, Rothenburg takes the time to analyze the evolution of tactical doctrine of the forces of the Republic, and then how these were reformed and or refined under Napoleon and the Imperium. In showcasing this evolution, Rothenburg not only highlights how the French came to be so dominant, but also how their failure to further evolve from their height in 1805-7, allowed their enemies to learn, and adapt from them. And then, eventually conquer them.
Also discussed are staff officers and their varying duties, as well as how the various nation's general staffs were operated, as well as quartermaster departments, intelligence, and medical services.
Overall, this is an indispensable work for the understanding of the military side of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
This one I can highly recommend.
While he does give a brief, two chapters, overview of the course of the Revolutionary and then Napoleonic Wars, his main focus is on the raising and equipping of the armies. From there, Rothenburg discusses how the armies were lead, how they conducted campaigns and operations, their logistical infrastructure and networks, and discusses their tactical doctrine.
Rothenburg doesn't merely focus on La Grande Armée, though he does the French quite heavily. Also coming under close scrutiny and exposition are the British, Hapsburgs (Rothenburg himself was Austrian, I do believe), the Russians, the Prussians, and the Spanish, and their respective means and methodologies of their war making.
In terms of the French, Rothenburg takes the time to analyze the evolution of tactical doctrine of the forces of the Republic, and then how these were reformed and or refined under Napoleon and the Imperium. In showcasing this evolution, Rothenburg not only highlights how the French came to be so dominant, but also how their failure to further evolve from their height in 1805-7, allowed their enemies to learn, and adapt from them. And then, eventually conquer them.
Also discussed are staff officers and their varying duties, as well as how the various nation's general staffs were operated, as well as quartermaster departments, intelligence, and medical services.
Overall, this is an indispensable work for the understanding of the military side of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
This one I can highly recommend.
April 28, 2021
Rothenberg has produced a concise, yet detailed, study of the art of war during the remaining days of the ancien regime to the end of the Napoleonic era, 1792-1815. It observes the strategy, tactics, formations, weapons, cultural differences, engineering, and medical services of the French army and its opponents.
Chapter two is perhaps the best potted history of the Napoleonic era I have read to date. Succinct but comprehensive enough to grasp all important factors in a smooth chronological method. A great introduction for anyone new to the period but also a good reference point for more learned readers.
Overall, this was an excellent book of balance, the level of detail in this study being sufficient to grasp complex concepts without getting bogged down in dreary specifics like some other examinations of the art of warfare. Recommend for those new to the period as well as Napoleonic old-hands.
Chapter two is perhaps the best potted history of the Napoleonic era I have read to date. Succinct but comprehensive enough to grasp all important factors in a smooth chronological method. A great introduction for anyone new to the period but also a good reference point for more learned readers.
Overall, this was an excellent book of balance, the level of detail in this study being sufficient to grasp complex concepts without getting bogged down in dreary specifics like some other examinations of the art of warfare. Recommend for those new to the period as well as Napoleonic old-hands.
October 8, 2023
I first came across this book in the mid-eighties, but at the time couldn't afford to buy a copy. Coming back to it 30 years later I confess to being a little disappointed. It is a fair summary of the main developments, including the strategic politics as they impacted on military developments. But it is very much a brief summary. In particular it really doesn't cover the strategic and tactical changes that took place during the revolutionary and Napoleonic wars in any sort of detail. It means that this book makes a fair introduction, but has I think been largely superseded by more detailed work.
January 7, 2018
Not as good as the brilliant, Napoleon's Great Adversary - a good enough coverage of the nature of Napoleonic era warfare but plenty of others have done the same with more freshness and colour
March 6, 2013
The Art of Warfare in the Age of Napoleon is a great recount on Napoleon's strategies and tactics and how they impacted the "art of warfare".
Rothenberg uses a great amount of sources and it shows in his writing.
The work is written in a military aspect. Therefore, most every importance is put in the weapons, strategy, tactics, battles, etc.
There is still a great amount of information and interesting interpretations on different events.
Overall, I felt the book was an OK read. It is easy to read, however, it can feel repetitious at times. The time period covered is concise and within the French Revolution till the end of Napoleonic Wars. I feel this read is going to interest those who want to know the military aspects and impacts of the Napoleonic era.
Rothenberg uses a great amount of sources and it shows in his writing.
The work is written in a military aspect. Therefore, most every importance is put in the weapons, strategy, tactics, battles, etc.
There is still a great amount of information and interesting interpretations on different events.
Overall, I felt the book was an OK read. It is easy to read, however, it can feel repetitious at times. The time period covered is concise and within the French Revolution till the end of Napoleonic Wars. I feel this read is going to interest those who want to know the military aspects and impacts of the Napoleonic era.
February 21, 2009
An excellent overview of the origins, armies and their weapons, the battle and conduct of Napoleonic warfare. Come on, the guy has an entire period of warfare and history named after him! One must admit that is a legacy that shall be remembered for centuries.
Read for UTSA course HIS 343 History of Modern Warfare.
Read for UTSA course HIS 343 History of Modern Warfare.
maybe-read-sometime
May 15, 2013According to The Black Count's author, this has information about the civilian commissars that the French Revolution sent to accompany its armies.
August 4, 2011
Minor editorial errors - typos and grammar. Otherwise a pretty good book on Napoleonic warfare.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews